Purple Heart veteran on cross-country mission

TALLMADGE -- One step at a time, Army veteran Eric Peters is taking a stand for those who have protected and served our country and now need help return.

Peters, 23, is now on a cross-country mission to raise awareness and donations for soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries.

"It's a nightmare, complete nightmare, and it's not only me. I've been talking with so many veterans," said Peters, describing his encounters with Veteran's Affairs since his discharge last October.

Wounded in the line of duty during a six-month tour of Afghanistan, Peters was awarded the Purple Heart, but says he has found little compassion since returning home.

"The suicide hotline for veterans is not up to working…I called it myself and I didn't hear anything from it. You know, they didn't help me at all," Peters continued.

Just weeks ago, Peters embarked on his own personal mission -- to walk from Clark, NJ to Santa Monica, CA as a part of a go-fund-me campaign to urge more people to pay attention and support veteran's issues. (http://www.gofundme.com/9bsmx4)

"I don't care if people know my name. I don't care if people know my face. Just know what I'm doing the cause for and help make a change," Peters urged.

Since Friday, Peters has been resting at a home in Tallmadge, Ohio where one of his biggest supporters, Melinda Wright, first took notice of his journey on Facebook.

"He's very strong-willed, very ambitious, good person, all around," said Wright.

Peters plans to hit the road again Monday morning but says that, once his 3,000-mile journey is complete, he would like to return to Ohio.

"There's a certain someone that...she kind of caught me," said Peters, with a smile.